Tributes for Joel ‘Madpup’ Davison after Uki crash death

A heartbroken community is paying tribute to a northern NSW sports store owner who tragically lost his life in a car and motorbike accident in a small rural town.

Joel Davison on his motorbike.

The owner of a Tweed sports goods store has been remembered as a dedicated business owner and a cherished member of our community after his tragic death in a car and motorcycle accident.

Joel Davison, also known as Madpup, lost his life in a horrific two-vehicle smash near Uki, southwest of Tweed Heads, around 2.20pm on March 15.

“Officers attached to Tweed-Byron Police District were told a ute and a motorcycle have collided before the rider was ejected from the motorcycle,” a NSW Police statement read.

“The rider – a 35-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition.”

Mr Davison tragically died some hours later in hospital.

Joel Davison with Sheridan Dawes at Sportsworld Murwillumbah.

The ute driver – a 52-year-old man – returned a negative result to a roadside breath test and was taken to Murwillumbah District Hospital for mandatory testing.

Police are now conducting an investigation into the tragedy, with both the ute and motorbike seized for forensic examination.

Joel Davison with his partner in life and in business Sheridan Dawes.

Mr Davison was the owner of Sportsworld Murwillumbah, which stocks sports goods, shoes, apparel, and supplements.

A post in tribute to Mr Davison was made on the business’s Facebook page on Monday.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the tragic news of the passing of our beloved Joel, shop owner of Sportsworld Murwillumbah, on Saturday,” the statement read.

“Not only a dedicated business owner, but a cherished member of our community.

“Joel was always ready with a kind word, a smile and a helping hand.”

A GoFundMe page, which described Mr Davison as a “beloved fiance, son, brother, uncle and a friend to many”, has raised almost $13,000 for his fiance Sheridan Dawes.

Murwillumbah District Hospital.

“He and Sheridan were engaged to be married and recently bought their first home, planned to start a family and bought a local business to venture out of their comfort zones and start a new chapter of their life together,” the GoFundMe page states.

“Their journey was just beginning.

“Joel was an amazing, generous and wonderful human, and it feels so unfair he was taken away so young.

“He was a true gentleman, the first to offer a helping hand to others, and the best person to share a beer and chat with.”

A local Murwillumbah woman who knew Joel but did not want to be named said “It’s sad as he and his wife were excited to have children – now he’s gone”.

She also rides a motorbike and said: “I am constantly on alert to other cars as they don’t always look for bikes and motorcycles are becoming more popular in our area as they’re cheaper to run and it’s beautiful to ride around our countryside.”

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